A Diary Writing Question?

Question

I am planning on keeping a day-by-day diary for 2007. I already have the diary, there's one good size dated page for each day.

How can I make keeping this diary interesting enough so that I will actually keep it for the whole year?

Answer 1

well, i generally try to write things humourously so that ages later i'd actually look back at everything and realise how things were.
also, i needn't wait for years to realise how funny all my mistakes and errors were, i'd realise that while l writing....
also, you could try to get really into the feelings and emotions so , you know you can understand yourself better when you read it later on

Answer 2

I have recently started keeping a daily journal so I can understand your question.

Think about the goal of your diary. Would you like the information to be available for posterity? Do you plan to be the only person who reads it or do you want others to do so? What is the purpose?

After you decide about what the purpose and audience of your diary is, that will provide the motivation.

Then, write things that fit that purpose and motivation. If you do this, I think the writing will take care of itself.

It seems to me that, if you think keeping a diary is so important, you should start now, not wait until 2007.

Answer 3

i think writing is very therapeutic but some days, it is just not a priority or even something you feel like doing--i understand (i'm an English major so if i don't have some academic research paper or reflection paper to work on, i've got creative writing projects!).
one thing you might try is creating a little contract with yourself. even just in the front of the diary, just put it in writing that you are going to commit to putting words down on a page every single day of the year. sign, date, the whole deal :o) i know it sounds cheesy but i've done it for different things in the past and it really makes me feel accountable to something.
also, realize that there really are going to be days when you won't feel like writing--for whatever reason. and you might even want to have a back up plan when you feel like you don't have anything to say. when i was younger, i'd do "top 10" lists in my diaries. i haven't done it in a while but it is always fun to look back on--it really puts life into context when you look at what your top 10 bands were or your top 10 movies.
one last thought, a diary doesn't have to be a record of your every movement throughout every day. try switching it up so it doesn't feel like a chore. do different things when you have the time--whether it's the list thing, or maybe writing about something that's in the news....or copying a quote you heard or read somewhere and reflecting on that.
whatever you decide to do, i wish you luck! it's a great idea and something you can really have a lot of fun with!!

Answer 4

I think if you write down your daily happenings and reflections, and after a couple of weeks, go back and read them, you will realize how interesting your life or mind can really be.

Give yourself a specific thing/thought you have to write at the bottom (or top) of each entry. You could do something lighthearted and kind of quirky or something serious. Answer the same question everyday for an entire year, and never use the same answer twice. You will have 365 answers to the same question, because your answers will change with each day. Here are some examples of the types questions I am reffering to:
- Today I am most thankful for_______. (Tell yourself you will NEVER write the same thing more than once-- so once you use up family members, friends, etc...you will find other, less obvious things you are thankful for ("the tree that blows in the wind and waves bye to me everyday", or "the heat in your house", or "fresh water", or "the table I can prop my feet on", or "mint flavored gum")
-I smiled today when________.
-One thing I noticed and appreciated for the first time today was_______
-Today, I learned__________ (That will make sure you make it a point to learn something new each day...whether it is something you are interested in , trivia, or something you have always wanted to know, you will have to find something.... and eventually you will learn some really cool stuff.... atleast 365 new cool things)


Just some ideas....I think it would make the journal really interesting to look back on, cause your answers will depend on your mood...and you will remember the feeling you had when you wrote it.

Answer 5

Go out of your way to make your life interesting. Think of your diary as a reality TV show with you as the audience. Hype up even minor things and incidents.

Answer 6

break all projects down into smaller chunks. keep it with you (or notes that you can consolidate) as you go about your day so that when something strikes you, you can capture.

or "plan" a end-of-day ritual (tea, in bed prior to sleep, special chair) so you look forward to.

Answer 7

You can write as if you are writing for prosperity...it is your life story - a year in the life that is uniquely yours and from your point of view.

Answer 8

either write it to addressing someone - somebody real and you'd like to reach
or
write it to be published after you finished..